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New South Wales Licence Solutions

To contract residential building or trade work in NSW for more than $5,000 (labour and materials, including GST), you need a contractor licence from Building Commission NSW.

Regulator: Building Commission NSW. NSW Fair Trading (older name, still widely searched). Dan Pleaner, founder, Trade Licence Solutions.

Rules checked against the official regulator information. Confirm your exact case with Dan.

Check your New South Wales licence in 60 seconds

The New South Wales rules

  • Contractor licence needed for residential building or trade work over $5,000, labour and materials and GST included.
  • Licence types: individual contractor licence, company or partnership contractor licence, and qualified supervisor certificate.
  • Licences run for 1, 3 or 5 years.
  • A National Police Certificate, no older than 4 months, is needed for individuals.
  • Apprentices can't be licensed until their apprenticeship is finished.
  • Your company must hold its own licence. Your personal licence doesn't cover it (to verify with Dan).

Official regulator: Building Commission NSW. Rules change, so check the regulator page too.

Your steps to a New South Wales licence

  1. Check you need a licence, and which type.
  2. Gather your qualifications, proof of experience, referees and police check.
  3. Apply through Service NSW, with us checking every document first.
  4. Respond to any questions from the regulator, and get your licence.

Dan's prices

Prices are from amounts, ex GST and government fees. Your $150 consultation is credited to the full fee.

ServicePrice
General builder licencefrom $2,000
Company or partnership licencefrom $550
Mutual recognitionfrom $550
Trade contractor licencefrom $495

New South Wales licence questions

Do I need a licence for work under $5,000 in NSW?

Work valued at $5,000 or less, including labour and materials and GST, is generally minor work that doesn't need a contractor licence. Check the NSW minor trade work guidance for your job.

Who regulates builder licences in NSW?

Building Commission NSW regulates contractor licences. Applications are lodged through Service NSW. Many people still search for NSW Fair Trading, the older name.

How much does an NSW builder licence cost?

Dan's general builder licence service starts from $2,000, ex GST and government fees. Pricing depends on your situation.

What if my company needs a licence?

A company or partnership doing the work needs its own contractor licence, with a qualified supervisor. We map who signs what before you apply.

Licensed interstate?

Working interstate and mutual recognition: see the NSW Government page on working interstate. Official information.

Talk to Dan

Dan handles your New South Wales application from first call to approval. Call 0412 767 129 or send an enquiry.

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